Kozi Rynek Natural Reserve, Natural reserve in Augustów Forest, Poland
Kozi Rynek is a nature reserve within the Augustów Forest, dominated by alder and ash forests that grow in waterlogged ground conditions. A small stream cuts through the protected area, maintaining the wet environment necessary for these specialized woodland habitats.
The reserve became a battleground in 1863 during the January Uprising, when Polish forces engaged Russian troops in this remote forest location. Earthwork mounds in the northern section serve as physical reminders of this military conflict from the 19th century.
The name Kozi Rynek refers to livestock trading practices that once took place in this northeastern region of Poland. The wetland landscape still reflects the traditional relationship between local communities and the forest resources that supported their livelihoods.
Access to the reserve begins from the Augustów-Lipsk road, where marked trails lead into the protected forest area. Bring sturdy waterproof boots and weather-appropriate clothing, as the wet ground conditions persist throughout the year.
The forest shelters a diverse animal population including elks, deer, wild boars, and wolves, alongside smaller mammals like badgers and martens. Black storks also breed here, making the reserve one of the few remaining strongholds for these large and rare birds in the region.
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